I know this may seem like a strange title for a August Blog post.

July 1st is the start of most organizations profit or nonprofit’s fiscal year, a new year so…

I would suggest then that this is a great time to reflect and review your leadership beliefs and practices.

I believe the foundational practice of this leadership review is not to examine the profit and loss statement, recruits, unit production, funding sources or even making sure all the parts in place to start the school year. These are all vital items but they are not foundational to your leadership success.

They are a result of our leadership.

What then should be the first step in your leadership review?

I believe it is a simple yet difficult question. What is my Why for being a leader in this organization?

One may ask what do you mean by your Why?

  • Is it the money I make?
  • Is it my title or popularity?

The answer to the above would be no!

Nicki and Grace Keohohou in Build it Big say it well:  “your Why is a deep emotional reason for building (leading) your business (organization).”
Build It Big Books
They further note that your Why helps you develop your vision and guide your choices.

Where do we start?

  • Commit to taking the time and energy to write down your response to this question, Why did I decide to be a leader?
  • Take a deep breath and respond to the question again and do it again. Each time the response will become deeper. You will be the guide for how deep your why will be.
  • Ask yourself “How will achievement of my Why add value for my those I live with, work with and serve with?” Write down your response and redo it until you are sure you have it.
  • Find a way (post it note, card, screen saver ) to keep your Why in front of you daily.
  • Commit to reviewing your Why periodically and revising as needed.

Author Michael Hyatt states that “if you know your Why you will know your way.”
Do you Know your Why?

It will be your way!